Beach blanket

ABSTRACT

An improved beach blanket comprising inflatable pillows and a carrying bag structured and arranged to provide the relaxing sun-worshiper with a cool, comfortable surface upon which to lay over hot sand and other surfaces thereby offering constant refreshment on the hottest of summer days.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from priorprovisional application Ser. No. 62/502,737, filed May 7, 2017 whichapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understandingthe present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of theinformation provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presentlydescribed or claimed inventions, or that any publication or documentthat is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of cooling devicesand more specifically relates to an improved beach blanket comprisinginflatable pillows and a carrying bag structured and arranged to providethe relaxing sun-worshiper with a cool, comfortable surface upon whichto lay over hot sand and other surfaces thereby offering constantrefreshment on the hottest of summer days.

2. Description of the Related Art

Consider, for example, the need that virtually all of us have forfeeling the sunlight on our skin. Our need for the sun on our skin isnot only physiological, in terms of synthesizing Vitamin D, but alsopsychological and emotional—and as long as we don't overdo it, we justplain feel better, psychologically, emotionally, physically, and interms of our appearance, when we've taken the time to soak up some rays.Unfortunately, reclining on a lounge-chair in the summer sun is alsohot—so hot that we need, from time to time, a way to cool ourselves off.Therefore, a need exists for a way for a user to cool themselves whilestretched out soaking up the sun.

Various attempts have been made to solve problems found in coolingdevice art. Among these are found in: U.S. Pub. No. 2010/0319382 toLinda Marie Burrini; U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0112501 to William M. Estes;U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,594 to Scott R. Wolas; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,354to Deborah Ann Tolbert. This prior art is representative of coolingdevices for use on blankets and outdoor furniture.

Ideally, an improved beach blanket should be user-friendly and safein-use and yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modestexpense. Thus, a need exists for an improved beach blanket comprisinginflatable pillows and a carrying bag structured and arranged to providethe relaxing sun-worshiper with a cool, comfortable surface upon whichto lay over hot sand and other surfaces thereby offering constantrefreshment on the hottest of summer days and to avoid theabove-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known of coolingdevice art, the present invention provides a novel improved food bowl.The general purpose of the present invention, which will be describedsubsequently in greater detail is to provide an improved beach blanketcomprising inflatable pillows and a carrying bag structured and arrangedto provide the relaxing sun-worshiper with a cool, comfortable surfaceupon which to lay over hot sand and other surfaces thereby offeringconstant refreshment on the hottest of summer days.

An improved beach blanket comprising: a main body; at least one pillowmember; and four sand pockets. The main body includes: a top layerhaving an outer surface and an inner surface; a bottom layer having anouter surface and an inner surface; at least one refrigerant canisterincluding a refrigerant therein; and at least one hollow coil member.

Wherein the top layer and said bottom layer are connected to one anotheralong respective outer peripheries thereof and form an interior volume.Wherein the top layer and the bottom layer are substantially rectangularand when connected form four corners. Wherein the at least onerefrigerant canister is located within the interior volume and isadapted to provide the refrigerant to at least one hollow coil member.Wherein the at least one hollow coil member is located within theinterior volume and is adapted to receive the refrigerant therethroughand reduce the temperature of the top and bottom layers.

Wherein the at least one pillow member is attached to the outer surfaceof the top layer of the main body. Wherein the four sand pockets areattached to respective the four corners of the main body. Wherein eachof the four sand pockets are adapted to retain sand therein in order toweigh down each respective corner of the main body and thereby hold inplace said improved beach blanket against a supporting surface.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as animproved beach blanket. For purposes of summarizing the invention,certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention havebeen described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily allsuch advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particularembodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied orcarried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage orgroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of theinvention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed outand distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification.These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specificationillustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention,an Improved Beach Blanket, constructed and operative according to theteachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view illustrating an improved beach blanketaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a bottom perspective view illustrating a bottom surface ofthe improved beach blanket according to an embodiment of the presentinvention

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating carrying bag of the improvedbeach blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating a valve member; a motormember, a power source, and an on/off switch according to an embodimentof the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view illustrating a power cord to powerImproved Beach Blanket according to an embodiment of the presentinvention of FIG. 1.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter bedescribed in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein likedesignations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to acooling device and more particularly to an Improved Beach Blanketcomprising inflatable pillows and a carrying bag structured and arrangedto provide the relaxing sun-worshiper with a cool, comfortable surfaceupon which to lay over hot sand and other surfaces thereby offeringconstant refreshment on the hottest of summer days

Generally speaking, the Improved Beach Blanket comprises a speciallydesigned compact, portable, and easily affordable personal cooling mat,designed to inflate via internal air canisters that keep the surface ofthe mat refreshingly cold when used under a blazing summer sun.

The Improved Beach Blanket would consist of a rectangular blanketfashioned from durable and weather-proof rubber or canvas materials. Theexterior of the blanket would boast integrated inflatable pillows, withat least two (2) located at the proximal end of the unit. To facilitatesecurity of the Improved Beach Blanket to a sandy ground or poolsidesurface, each corner would be augmented with sand weighted pockets. Anexternal On/Off switch would activate the blanket's coolingcapabilities. Inside, canisters filled with a refrigerant substance suchas Freon would be released, distributed through a series of coilstraversing the blanket just beneath its surface.

The Improved Beach Blanket could also be customized by preferredtemperature; its external control would allow the user to select thedesired level of coolness emanating from the blanket. A convenientcarrying bag will also be included to facilitate transport of theImproved Beach Blanket. As mentioned, the Improved Beach Blanket productline could be expanded to include outdoor furniture such as wicker setsfeaturing removable, all-weather covers, as well as indoor furnitureincluding leather recliners, love seats, and more. Units designated foroutdoor use could operate via solar power.

Delivering continued coolness, the Improved Beach Blanket wouldfacilitate an automated, hands-free means of “cooling down” whensunbathing or relaxing indoors or out. The Improved Beach Blanket wouldeliminate the discomfort from heat and perspiration that can result whenbathing in the sun, or simply on an extra hot day. Extremely simple touse, this product could be secured and ready to work in a matter ofminutes. Whether on a public beach or private resort, lounging by thebackyard swimming pool, or even lying supine on the deck of cruise ship,the versatile Improved Beach Blanket would ensure an optimal tanningexperience without fear of overheating. With many applications, indeedthe Improved Beach Blanket is a concept with great potential. Thus, oncesuccessfully pursued and developed to the point of mass-production,marketing, and distribution, the Improved Beach Blanket should find awide and enthusiastic.

Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown inFIGS. 1-2, perspective views illustrating improved beach blanket 100according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Improved beach blanket 100 comprising: main body 110; at least onepillow member 170; and four sand pockets 180. Main body 110 includes:top layer 120 having outer surface 126 and inner surface 132; bottomlayer 150 having outer surface 156 and inner surface 162; at least onerefrigerant canister 300 including refrigerant 304 therein; and at leastone hollow coil member 310.

Wherein top layer 120 at least one hollow coil member 310. and bottomlayer 150 are connected to one another along respective outerperipheries thereof and form interior volume 140. Wherein top layer 120and bottom layer 150 are substantially rectangular and when connectedform four corners. Wherein said top layer and said bottom layer areformed from rubber.

Wherein at least one refrigerant canister 300 is located within interiorvolume 140 and is adapted to provide refrigerant 304 to at least onehollow coil member 310. Wherein refrigerant 304 is FREON.

Wherein at least one hollow coil member 310 is located within interiorvolume 140 and is adapted to receive refrigerant 304 therethrough andreduce the temperature of top layer 120 and bottom layer 150. Wherein atleast one hollow coil member 310 is formed in undulating pattern 314 andadapted to cover a substantial surface area of inner surface 132 of toplayer 120 of main body 110 as shown in FIG. 3A. Wherein there areplurality of parallel and spaced hollow coil members 310 attached to andadapted to cover substantial surface area of inner surface 132 of toplayer 120 of main body 110.

Wherein the at least one pillow member 170 is attached to outer surface126 of top layer 120 of main body 110. Wherein four sand pockets 180 areattached to respective the four corners of main body 110. Wherein eachof four sand pockets 180 are adapted to retain sand therein in order toweigh down each respective corner of main body 110 and thereby hold inplace improved beach blanket 100 against a supporting surface. Whereinthere are two pillow members 172 attached to outer surface 126 of toplayer 120 of main body 110; and wherein two pillow members 172 arespaced from one another and both located in proximity to one edge ofmain body 110. Wherein at least one pillow member 170 is formed from aflexible material, includes valve member 174, and is adapted to beinflated with air through valve member 174. Wherein said at least onepillow member 170 is formed from a plastic material.

The improved beach blanket of claim 1, further comprising carrying bag200 as shown in FIG. 2. Wherein carrying bag 200 is sized and adapted toallow improved beach blanket 100 to be stored and transported therein.

Referring now to FIG. 3 illustrating is a perspective view illustratingvalve member 320; motor member 330, power source 340, and on/off switch350 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

Improved beach blanket 100 further comprising: valve member 320; motormember 330, power source 340, and on/off switch 190. Wherein valvemember 320 is located within interior volume 140, is connected to atleast one refrigerant canister 300, and controls the amount ofrefrigerant 304 flowing from at least one refrigerant canister 300 andto and through at least one hollow coil member 310. Wherein motor member330 is located within interior volume 140, is connected to valve member320, and is adapted to control valve member 320 between open and closedpositions. Wherein power source 340 is located within interior volume140, is electrically connected to motor member 330, and is adapted tosupply motor member 330 with electrical power. Wherein power source 340is formed as at least one battery member 342 as shown in FIG. 3A.Wherein power source 340 includes power cord 380 adapted to extend frommain body 110 and releasably connect with an external electrical powersupply as shown in FIG. 3B.

Wherein said on/off switch 190 is attached to outer surface 126 of toplayer 120 of main body 110, is electrically connected between powersource 340 and motor member 330, and is adapted to turn power on and offto motor member 330 to thereby control when refrigerant 304 flows fromat least one refrigerant canister 300 to and through at least one hollowcoil member 310 and thereby cooling improved beach blanket 100.

Improved beach blanket 100 further comprises temperature control member194 as shown in FIG. 1. Wherein temperature control member 194 isattached to outer surface 126 of top layer 120 of main body 110, iselectrically connected between on/off switch 350 and motor member 330,and is adapted to allow control the temperature of improved beachblanket 100 via refrigerant 304 and at least one hollow coil member 310.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary andnumerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readilyenvisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which areintended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention.Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially thescientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure ofthe application.

What is claimed is:
 1. An improved beach blanket comprising: a main body including: a top layer including: an outer surface; and an inner surface; a bottom layer including; an outer surface; and an inner surface; wherein said top layer and said bottom layer are connected to one another along respective outer peripheries thereof and form an interior volume; and wherein said top layer and said bottom layer are substantially rectangular and when connected form four corners; at least one refrigerant canister including: a refrigerant therein; wherein said at least one refrigerant canister is located within said interior volume and is adapted to provide said refrigerant to at least one hollow coil member; at least one hollow coil member; wherein said at least one hollow coil member is located within said interior volume and is adapted to receive said refrigerant therethrough and reduce the temperature of said top and bottom layers; at least one pillow member; wherein said at least one pillow member is attached to said outer surface of said top layer of said main body; and four sand pockets; wherein said four sand pockets are attached to respective said four corners of said main body; and wherein each of said four sand pockets are adapted to retain sand therein in order to weigh down each respective corner of said main body and thereby hold in place said improved beach blanket against a supporting surface.
 2. The improved beach blanket of claim 1, wherein there are two pillow members attached to said outer surface of said top layer of said main body; and wherein said two pillow members are spaced from one another and both located in proximity to one edge of said main body.
 3. The improved beach blanket of claim 1, wherein said at least one pillow member is formed from a flexible material, includes a valve member, and is adapted to be inflated with air through said valve member.
 4. The improved beach blanket of claim 1, further comprising: a valve member; wherein said valve member is located within said interior volume, is connected to said at least one refrigerant canister, and controls the amount of refrigerant flowing from said at least one refrigerant canister and to and through said at least one hollow coil member; a motor member; wherein said motor member is located within said interior volume, is connected to said valve member, and is adapted to control said valve member between open and closed positions; a power source; wherein said power source is located within said interior volume, is electrically connected to said motor member, and is adapted to supply said motor member with electrical power; and an on/off switch; wherein said on/off switch is attached to said outer surface of said top layer of said main body, is electrically connected between said power source and said motor member, and is adapted to turn power on and off to said motor member to thereby control when refrigerant flows from said at least one refrigerant canister to and through said at least one hollow coil member and thereby cooling said improved beach blanket.
 5. The improved beach blanket of claim 1, wherein said top layer and said bottom layer are formed from rubber.
 6. The improved beach blanket of claim 1, wherein said refrigerant is FREON.
 7. The improved beach blanket of claim 4, further comprising: a temperature control member; wherein said temperature control member is attached to said outer surface of said top layer of said main body, is electrically connected between said on/off switch and said motor member, and is adapted to allow control the temperature of said improved beach blanket via refrigerant and said at least one hollow coil member.
 8. The improved beach blanket of claim 1, further comprising: a carrying bag; wherein said carrying bag is sized and adapted to allow said improved beach blanket to be stored and transported therein.
 9. The improved beach blanket of claim 1, wherein said at least one hollow coil member is formed in an undulating pattern and adapted to cover a substantial surface area of said inner surface of said top layer of said main body.
 10. The improved beach blanket of claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of parallel and spaced hollow coil members attached to and adapted to cover a substantial surface area of said inner surface of said top layer of said main body.
 11. The improved beach blanket of claim 4, wherein said power source is formed as at least one battery member.
 12. The improved beach blanket of claim 4, wherein said power source includes a power cord adapted to extend from said main body and releasably connect with an external electrical power supply.
 13. The improved beach blanket of claim 3, wherein said at least one pillow member is formed from a plastic material. 